Thursday, November 27, 2014

It may not be the end of the year, quite yet, but I’m already gearing up for 2015. I
know that every year - probably since I started this blog - I say, “This is going to
be my year!” And every year, when things go awry, I inevitably end up thinking,
“Okay, next year will be my year.”

This time is different; I’m leaving the
proclamations in the back of the drawer. I’m going to roll with the punches and
take the inescapable bad times with the good, and do my best to make the latter
just that much better. Because you know what? Even with all of the awful events
that happened this year — and let me tell you, it was a doozy — this
year was my year. Every year is my year. I’m one resilient son of a gun, and the
amount of incredible opportunities and steadfast relationships I have in my life
make me feel like the luckiest gal in the world, even when I’m feeling lost or
perpetually stuck in a turbulent moment.

There are no perfect years. Even those
who win the lottery, are born into royalty, or skyrocket to international fame are
not immune to pitfalls and heartache, so why should I expect to be any different?
I’m a work in progress, but I’m proud of myself for taking everything in stride and
finding the bright spots in the bleakest moments — because when I look back on
2014, I don’t focus on anything other than the memories I want to keep. And
goodness gracious, I have some great ones to look back on. Here are some
highlights from my year, for which I’m forever grateful:

1. Taking a spontaneous trip to Madonna Inn with my best friend, Kimbly,
who dropped everything when I needed her, no questions asked. I love
you, Kim!

2. My first trip to Paris, courtesy of the lovely team at Comptoir des
Cotonniers. And then my second one, with my motley crew: Eliot, Angie,
and Helena. Remember how a trip to Paris was my dream? I went twice,
this year! Insane.

3. Starting my Invisalign treatment (I'm currently receiving complimentary Invisalign® treatment in exchange for sharing my experience). I waited forever to take the plunge,
because I have a tendency to procrastinate — especially when it comes to
unfamiliar territory. I really should be thanking you all, for this and for the
first part of #2 (and probably half of this list) because I wouldn’t have had
the opportunity to receive complimentary treatment, if I didn’t have you
guys as my audience. The other day, I was looking at old pictures and
comparing them to my smile-in-progress, and I got so excited. I had to call
Bobby in the room to show him how much wider my smile has gotten, and
how less of my gums show. During my second trip to Paris, I was just
getting used to my first Invisalign clear aligners. Now, I’m about halfway
through. Time flies! If you would like more information on Invisalign
treatment, click here.

4. All of my visitors (and there were a lot). I’m so close to my family and
friends, and moving to another state made me nervous about not being
with them, enough. Luckily, I have a flexible schedule that allows me to
travel, but I’m especially grateful to live in a place that people want to visit.
My guest room is rarely empty, and I’m closer than ever to my family and
friends.

5. My trip to Japan. It seems completely surreal to think that as of last year, I
had never been outside of the US. I didn’t even get my passport, until this
year! For my 30th, Bobby took me to Japan. My dad was born there, and
his dad lived there, when he was a kid. It was such a special trip for both
of us.

7. Collaborating with some of my favorite brands. I'm grateful for all of them, but I’d have to say that any
time I get to work with Urban Decay, I get extremely excited! They’re a
longtime favorite of mine, and working with animal loving beauty addicts is
basically a dream come true.

8. Getting my Miku tattoo. Miku has been my constant, faithful companion
and best friend for the last ten years, so getting her tattooed on my leg
was the least I could do to prove my love to her. It makes me so happy,
every time I see her little smiling face on my leg!

9. So many Disney trips! Actually, so many trips, period. Nashville, NOLA,
LA, Paris, Tokyo, Florida, North Carolina…I stayed pretty busy. The Disney trips are a good way to get the whole family together, and keep the kids entertained. This year, we took our very first family trip - complete with grandparents, parents, kids, and grandkids. We're planning on making it an annual event, because family is number one.

10. And last, but certainly not least: seeing Tessa (my little sister) graduate
high school. She’s the most special person in the world. I cried my eyes
out when she walked across the stage. Of course, I also cried when she
first went to kindergarten, so she’s used to it. Monchichi is all grown up!

Love everything about this post, Keiko! :) I love reading blogs, but rarely ever comment (I usually use an RSS feed that's why), but I chanced upon this and loved your conviction, your lists, and your photos! I'm a huge fan of your blog as I just feel like you have the most genuine, creative, yet very relatable way of presenting your self, fashion, and beauty.

Lots of love, from Manila, Philippines.

PS: You have to visit South East Asia and have a stopover in one of our beautiful beaches.